If you’re a high school student interested in exploring STEM fields, an internship can be an excellent way to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. These opportunities allow you to work alongside researchers, engineers, and professionals while developing practical skills in areas like coding, data analysis, biology, or environmental science. Beyond technical learning, internships also help you strengthen soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for success in STEM careers. These experiences also help students expand their professional networks and receive mentorship, all of which prepare them for higher education and future STEM careers.
Canada is home to numerous organisations and universities, such as the University of Toronto, Alberta Innovates, and BC Cancer Research Centre, that offer diverse STEM internship programs annually, both in-person and virtual, across fields such as AI, biology, engineering, and more. Opting for a local program is financially smart for Canadian students as it reduces costs related to travel, accommodation, and visas, making these opportunities more accessible without compromising quality or mentorship support.
We’ve compiled 14 of the best STEM internships for high school students in Canada.
14 STEM Internships for High School Students in Canada
1. Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Students Internship
Location: Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: March session: March 16 – 20 | Summer session: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: March session: January 9 | Summer session: Typically, April
Eligibility: Grade 11–12 students (16+) who have completed (or are currently taking) grade 11 Biology and Chemistry
Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Student Internship offers paid research opportunities for Grade 11 and 12 students interested in biology and chemistry. The program is available during March Break and the summer, giving you a chance to work alongside researchers in a professional lab environment at Mount Sinai Hospital. During the internship, you’ll shadow scientists, assist with lab work, and gain hands-on experience in biomedical research. The summer session runs full-time for eight weeks, while the March Break program offers an intensive week-long experience, both designed to give you early exposure to real-world scientific research.
2. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~25 students
Dates: Starts on July 6 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students; 16+ by July 1; Strong academic performance in math and sciences | Legally authorized to work in Canada
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program allows you to work directly in a biomedical engineering lab studying focused ultrasound (FUS) technology and its medical applications. You’ll assist with experiments involving acoustic physics, imaging, and therapeutic ultrasound systems while learning to analyze signals, design experiments, and prototype devices. The experience combines elements of physics, biology, and mechanical/electrical engineering to show how non-invasive medical treatments are developed. Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside researchers and engineers, gaining practical lab experience and exposure to cutting-edge healthcare innovations.
3. Math Mentorship Program @ University of Toronto
Location: University of Toronto, St. George St., Toronto, ON / Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $150 CAD + tax / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically, limited cohorts
Dates: January – May
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11 and 12
Math Mentorship Program @ University of Toronto connects mathematically gifted high school students across Canada with mentors from the university’s Department of Mathematics, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. From January to May, you’ll collaborate on an original research project exploring advanced mathematical topics under your mentor’s guidance. Meetings take place once or twice a month, either virtually or in person, as you refine your ideas and develop your project. The program begins with an orientation in January and concludes with a showcase event in May, where students present their findings to peers and faculty. Outstanding participants may also be invited to present their work at the Canadian Undergraduate Mathematics Conference.
4. Women’s College Hospital Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $17.2/hour CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 60 students
Dates: July 8 – August 16
Application Deadline: Typically, late January or early February
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders who are 16+ by program start; Must have taken grade 11 or 12 biology and chemistry; More details here
Women’s College Hospital Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) gives high school students a six-week, hands-on introduction to health and scientific research at Women’s College Hospital. Supported by the Emily Stowe Scholar Program (ESSP), the initiative aims to create equitable opportunities for students from historically underrepresented communities in healthcare and academia. As a research student, you may assist with data entry, literature reviews, project implementation, and preparation of materials for presentations or publications, while also observing clinicians in action. The program includes weekly panels, webinars, and research showcase events to help you connect with mentors and peers in the field.
5. RBC Summer Tech Labs
Location: Downtown core of Toronto / Remote
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, exact hourly rate will be outlined in your offer letter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically small cohorts
Dates: July 2 – August 20
Application Deadline: July 25
Eligibility: Ontario-based high school students; Working knowledge of one or more programming languages | Applied experience with technology concepts or coding
The RBC Summer Tech Labs is an eight-week paid internship for Ontario high school students in grades 11 and 12 who are passionate about coding, design, and innovation. As an Innovation Developer, you’ll work in a small team to design, build, and present prototypes that solve real business challenges faced by RBC. You’ll gain hands-on experience with technologies like JavaScript, React.js, and GitHub while applying design thinking and agile development methods. Throughout the program, you’ll receive mentorship from RBC professionals, attend skill-building workshops, and learn how to pitch your ideas effectively. It’s an opportunity to develop both technical and professional skills in a collaborative, startup-style environment.
6. Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program
Location: BC Cancer’s Victoria Centre, Lee Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia
Stipend: $3,000 CAD bursary towards post-secondary education will be awarded to each student who successfully complete the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: July – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Grade 11 students enrolled in Vancouver Island secondary schools who are at least 16 years old by the program start date | Nominated by the Science Department Head of the school | Minimum 85% projected average in Biology 11 or 12 and any two of math, chemistry, science, or physics
The Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program is an eight-week summer research opportunity for rising Grade 12 students, held at BC Cancer’s Deeley Research Centre in Victoria. Designed to give students firsthand exposure to biomedical science, the program immerses you in laboratory work, seminars, and research projects focused on cancer biology and immunotherapy. Working alongside professional scientists, you’ll learn modern lab techniques and gain insight into how cancer research is conducted. Participation is by nomination; each secondary school on Southern Vancouver Island may nominate two Grade 11 students for this selective experience.
7. STEAM Design Program
Location: University of Toronto- St. George Campus, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,600 CAD stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 30 – 50 students
Dates: 4 weeks in July
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 from underrepresented communities in health sciences (Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, racialized, and/or from any background experiencing socio-economic barriers)
The STEAM Design Program is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 10–11 students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in health sciences. You’ll work with university researchers and professionals on problem-based projects that address real challenges in healthcare systems. Throughout the program, you’ll apply concepts from biology, engineering, and public health while developing skills in needs assessment, stakeholder analysis, and prototype design. The experience culminates in a judged Design Competition, where you present your proposed solutions to experts, with top teams earning prizes and continued mentorship. Alongside hands-on learning, you’ll gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, earn a Grade 12 science credit, and receive a $1,600 stipend upon completion.
8. WISEST Summer Research Program
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Cost/Stipend: No tuition cost, but housing is not covered for out-of-town students, financial aid is available / Stipend of $15/hour CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; 40 students
Dates: July 2 – August 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Grade 11 high school students identifying as women or gender-diverse; Indigenous and racialized students encouraged
The WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology) Summer Research Program (SRP) at the University of Alberta is a paid research opportunity for Grade 11 students who identify as women or gender-diverse and are interested in exploring STEM careers. Over six weeks, you’ll work in a university lab or field setting under the supervision of a principal investigator, contributing to ongoing research in areas like materials science, biomedical engineering, or environmental studies. You’ll learn experimental techniques, data analysis, and professional research practices while developing technical and teamwork skills. Alongside lab work, you’ll participate in journal clubs, networking sessions, and workshops that broaden your understanding of STEM pathways.
9. Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program
Location: Participating high schools across Saskatchewan
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Students who complete the SYA program may be nominated for the SYA Industry Scholarship (currently a $1,000 CAD award, redeemable upon registering as an apprentice after graduation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: School-year based; varies by school
Application Deadline: Rolling; dependent on school enrollment
Eligibility: High school students in grade 10 and above who are at least 15 years old
The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program is designed to help high school students in Saskatchewan explore careers in the skilled trades through practical, hands-on learning. You’ll complete 12 career-focused challenges with guidance from a teacher or counselor, learning how apprenticeships work and gaining exposure to trades like electrical work, welding, plumbing, and machining. The program helps you understand key trade skills, workplace expectations, and career pathways in these fields. You’ll earn 300 hours of trade time credit, get your apprenticeship registration fee waived, and receive free tuition for Level 1 technical training in any Saskatchewan trade.
10. ELITE Program for Black Youth
Location: Various sites across Canada (including universities, industry, and government labs)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 45 to 51 participants total per year across all locations
Dates: 8 – 16 weeks, depending on high school programs and schedule
Application Deadline: Typically, February or early March
Eligibility: Black youth ages 15–22 who are high school students, post-secondary students, or transitioning into post-secondary education; more details here
The ELITE Program for Black Youth (Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship) offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through real STEM and business internships. The program matches you with university research labs, tech companies, or government teams to work on projects involving emerging fields like robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Alongside your internship, you’ll attend weekly workshops focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, while receiving personalized mentorship and coaching. The program also includes a final showcase where students present their projects and learnings.
11. Student Advancement Research (StAR) Program at SickKids
Location: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10 – 12 students per summer
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Grade 11-12 students, aged 16+, identifying as Indigenous, Black, or Filipino; must have previously taken Grade 10 Science | Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
The Student Advancement Research (StAR) Program at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto is a six-week paid summer research internship for high school students aged 16 and above who identify as Indigenous, Black, or Filipino. The program matches you with a research lab where you work alongside scientists on real pediatric research projects, gaining exposure to tools and techniques used in biomedical studies such as flow cytometry, gene editing, and bioinformatics analysis. Throughout the program, you’ll develop technical, analytical, and communication skills while contributing to ongoing research. The experience concludes with a symposium where you present your project findings to peers and mentors.
12. seed2STEM Program
Location: Various BC research institutes
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid (minimum wage)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; > 100 students annually
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Typically late spring
Eligibility: Indigenous high school students in Grades 9–12 residing in Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas (including Kelowna and some remote BC communities)
The seed2STEM Program is a six-week paid summer research opportunity for Indigenous high school students in British Columbia. You’ll work in a university or research institute lab on projects in neuroscience, biology, engineering, physics, or related fields, developing hands-on experience in both lab-based and land-based learning. The program integrates Western science with Indigenous knowledge systems through workshops, guest lectures, and field trips led by STEM professionals and community members. You’ll receive mentorship, wraparound supports such as transit passes and laptops, and a stipend for your participation. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your research findings to mentors, peers, and family.
13. Nokia Future Tech Summer Internship
Location: Ottawa, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $17/hr CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 25 students per summer
Dates: July 7 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: High school students entering grade 12 | Expected average of 75% in Grade 11 | Registered in at least two Grade 12 courses from this list: Physics, Chemistry, Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Computer Science, Biology, Earth and Space Science, Computer Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology | Legal eligibility to work in Canada
The Nokia Future Tech Summer Internship is an eight-week program that allows high school students to work alongside professional engineers on real telecom and technology projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like MATLAB for waveform analysis, NS-3 for network simulation, and agile software such as Jira. Working in teams, you’ll help debug firmware for 5G prototypes, optimize signal processing, and analyze system performance. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive mentorship from Nokia engineers, developing both technical and professional skills. It’s a practical opportunity to see how your STEM knowledge applies to real-world innovations in communication technology.
14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: All 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,000 stipend USD
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; 20 – 45 students
Dates: 8 weeks during summer; exact dates are flexible and set by the mentor and student
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Must be a rising high school senior or rising college freshman, be at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that introduces high school students to fisheries and aquatic science. You’ll work alongside a professional mentor, earning a stipend while contributing to projects such as fish population surveys, water quality testing, and habitat assessments. Through a mix of fieldwork, lab research, and data analysis, you’ll gain firsthand experience in ecological research and conservation practices. Weekly reflections and a final report help you connect your work to broader environmental issues and scientific methods.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Toronto